Alcohol
How this topic helps your child's learning
Alcohol abuse is a serious problem among a small number of young people. 1000 young people under the age of 15 are admitted to hospital each year with alcohol poisoning.
Given that fact, education about the dangers of alcohol abuse should be seen as an essential part of the PHSE (Personal, Health and Social Education) curriculum in England and the Health Education curriculum in Scotland.
The information and activities have been aimed at pupils aged approximately 11-14 and include a number of quizzes designed to test their knowledge.
The basics
Children become aware of alcohol at an early age.
Most have their first alcoholic drink between the age of 10 and 13. This is usually at home with their parents' permission.
By 13 young people may have started drinking in groups in a park or at parties.
Useful things to know
If you are concerned that your child has started drinking try to react calmly. Explain why you are concerned and make sure your child understands the risks involved in misusing alcohol - e.g. after drinking alcohol young people are far more likely to have an accident and some are more likely to become involved in a fight or in unsafe sex.
Long term abuse of alcohol can lead to many health problems, notably those involving the liver, heart and stomach.
Tips & treatments
You can help your child to cut down the risks by:
- Encouraging them to stick to lower strength brands and not drink too quickly.
- Agreeing rules on parties. If your child has a party at home, remove temptations such as your own stock of drink (especially spirits) and provide starchy food (bread, rice and pasta for example) so they won't be drinking on empty stomachs.
- Making sure your child has a way of getting home safely at night if the party is elsewhere.
Sources of help and information
Drinkline 0345 32 02 02 (calls charged at local rate or dial and listen on 0500 801 802)
Confidential information and advice and can put you in touch with your local alcohol advice centre for one-to-one help. Mon-Fri 11am-11pm.
Alcohol Concern 0207 928 7377
General information about alcohol. Call to find your nearest alcohol advisory service. A factsheet on young people and alcohol is available from www.alcoholconcern.org.uk
The Portman Group
Funded by the UK's leading alcohol producers. Its role is to promote sensible drinking and help prevent alcohol misuse. www.portman-group.org.uk
The Advisory Council on Alcohol and Drug Education
The leading national non-government organisation specialising in alcohol and drug education, health education and personal and social education. Information on TACADE is available at: www.tacade.com
The information contained on this web site does not replace medical advice. If you are concerned you might have a medical problem please ask your Boots pharmacy team in your local Boots store, or see your doctor.